Time to grow up?

I’m talking about that ambiguous term used to imply maturity and the forsaking of childish things.

Aging is inevitable, but is growing up? Sooner or later we all get taller and have to learn how to shave, these things are as inevitable as taxes, but I’m sure we all know at least one person who’s gotten older, but never “grown up.”

Many of us have that friend, you know the one, still pulling pranks and wearing shorts to work – not that we all wouldn’t love to wear shorts to work these last couple of days – if you can’t think of that friend, it might just be you!

But what’s so wrong with staying young at heart? What’s wrong with acting foolish and channeling the inner 8th grader?

Nothing. In fact, I wish more people would let their inner child out and have a little fun. Anyone who’s listened to NPR lately knows that there are more than a few reasons to get down in the dumps.

Working in the information business, I’m well aware of the tragedy that occurs everyday and the multitude of reasons to be worried about the government, the economy, the missing bees.

But anyone who’s ever spent an entire day smiling and laughing will know that it’s infectious and spreads quicker than Brian’s any-day-now zombie plague.

Call it karma or whatever you’d like, but it works. It also works in reverse. Ever had a bad day where it seems like everyone you’re around is equally miserable? It just makes it worse.

By the way, smiling and laughing are great, but I’m also going to include shenanigans into this equation. Practical jokes don’t have to be cruel and unusual. Many times it’s enlightening to realize someone just pulled one over on you.

However, everyone still insists we have to “grow up.” Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being mature.

For one, wearing a suit and tie can make you look like James Bond or Don Draper. Also, the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a busy day is nothing to ignore.

Remember when you were a kid? You couldn’t wait to grow up because adults could do whatever they wanted. Of course, we all thought that meant we’d be able to cover the lawn in Slip’n’Slides and stock the fridge with Ho-Ho’s and Mountain Dew.

Reality is a little different. Now, I often hear people lament about how simple things were as a kid. No bills, no job, less accountability.

Personally, I wouldn’t want to be a kid again, because I’m still a kid. I still want to build Slip’n’Slide Garden and Mountain Dew is still awesome.

So my advice this week is everyone find a balance. Rock the suit, but don’t forget to Do the Dew, too. Or Yoo-Hoo if you’re not into caffeine.